Fesenko has played just 5 minutes during Utah’s last four games, including a 1-minute outing during a Jazz loss Friday to San Antonio and two games he did not play due to coach’s decision. Utah has gone 2-2 during the stretch, but the team has been outrebounded by a combined 190-147.

Jazz acting coach Phil Johnson said Friday that the team’s struggles on the boards played the primary role in Utah’s defeat to the Spurs. Utah was then outrebounded 48-38 by the Blazers, including a 24-6 deficit on the offensive glass.

Johnson acknowledged that it was tough not playing Fesenko versus the Spurs. But with fellow reserve center Francisco Elson playing strong defense, Johnson said he was forced to limit Fesenko’s minutes.
“We didn’t go to Fes [on Friday],” Johnson said. “But he’s there.”
Utah continued to go with Elson versus the Blazers. He recorded four points in 8:33, while Fesenko did not take the court.

Sloan just wishes he could have kept Fesenko on the floor a little longer.

When Fesenko came off the floor, he was obviously winded as he sat down on the bench.

“He got tired,” Sloan said. “That’s what we tell him. You should be able to play 48 minutes. That’s the way the game is set up and that’s what you should condition yourself for.”

If Fesenko was in top shape, Sloan said, he could “ … stay out there longer and have more of a chance to have success.”

Besides conditioning, Fesenko’s has also struggled with free-throw shooting.
He made 1 of 2 against Dallas, meaning he improved to 3 of 15 for the season.
“He’s got to make his free throws — learn how to make his free throws — because right now other teams don’t care if they foul him,” Sloan said.